Red for our Kids 2024 raises over $730,000!

Red for our Kids Gala 2024 raises over $730,000!

The second annual Red for our Kids, presented by Faegre Drinker, exceeded expectations and fundraising goals! Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and more than 600 attendees, the gala raised over $730,000 as guests celebrated the 100^th year of Riley Children’s Health and set the stage for the next century. This year’s event, emceed by Ryan Ahlwardt of IndyNow, took place March 9 at JPS Events in downtown Indianapolis.

Governor Eric Holcomb and First Lady Janet Holcomb were the honorary co-chairs of the evening. They, along with Miss Indiana 2023 Cydney Bridges and Miss Indiana 2021 Braxton Hiser serving as grand marshals, led Riley Kids out for the red wagon parade. More than 18 wagons were auctioned off in honor of Riley’s 100 years.

To help celebrate a century of caring for children, Riley matriarchs and patriarchs also attended the gala and Dr. Richard Schreiner, Dr. Ora Pescovitz, Dr. Wade Clapp and Dr. Eric Yancey also served as grand marshals for the parade.

Experience Riley provided an innovative, immersive guest experience by bringing the expertise of pediatric specialists at Riley and pediatric researchers at the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research to life, through imagery, storytelling, live simulations, and one-on-one engagement with gala guests. Gala guests engaged through interactive experiences, which included 3-D and virtual reality visualization of congenital heart defects and their reconstruction, simulation of pediatric trauma resuscitation skills, hands-on research techniques using real lab equipment, simulation education highlighting skilled maternal and newborn care, and demonstrations of technology and equipment used to care for the tiniest of newborn patients.

The live and silent auction featured a 1957 red Corvette and a pair of suite tickets to Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in November. Guests also enjoyed gourmet food and a live performance by the Flying Toasters.

The money raised support the foundation’s top fundraising priorities:

Addressing the youth mental health crisis
Recruiting more top pediatric specialists to Indiana
Fueling our researchers’ quest for new therapies and cures
Making it easier for families to receive Riley care close to home
Supporting kids and families with programs like social work, Child Life and Camp Riley

We can’t wait to see you at the 2025 Red for our Kids gala!